Swivel Frame Puller and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for levering a window frame from a wall opening by using mechanical advantage of levering action and a locking clamp attached to the frame for pulling the frame from the opening. The frame pulling apparatus being pivotally connected to a replaceable base for protecting window surrounding materials from damage during window demolition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A rise in severe weather and stronger, more damaging storms has resulted in many communities modifying building codes to require impact windows and doors, not just for new construction, but also for building repair and remodeling. This means an increase in window replacement requiring the removal of existing windows and doors. For simplicity, the term “windows” will be used, but should be understood to include both ‘door and windows’ unless the context specifically dictates otherwise.

Impact-resistant windows and doors have laminated glass to reduce the likelihood of an impact fracture during a high windstorm preventing damaging air pressure changes and flying debris that can injure occupants, contents, and cause structural damage to buildings. Laminated impact-resistant glass consists of a laminated interlayer bonded between panes of glass.

This layering means new glass is thicker and cannot simply be placed into existing frames. Additionally, such action is usually not recommended and would be undesirable for many other reasons beyond the scope of this specification. A replacement window is sized to fit the framed wall opening of the old window to be replaced.

Removing and replacing windows and doors can expand a remodeling project and break budgets depending on the type of replacement windows. “New Construction” windows have a fin extending outward in all directions from the window's frame. During installation, the frame/fin is glued and/or fastened (screws/nails) to the window opening under the exterior siding.

If replacement windows are to be “New Construction” style, then use will require removing and replacing the siding around the windows to access the fins, or in the case of a stucco home, redoing the entire home's exterior. The alternative of only removing four to eight inches from the edge of windows and patching after replacement causes cracks overtime due to the different expansion rates between new and old stucco.

“Retro-fit” windows do not have a fin extending from the frame and are secured by glue and/or fastening through the frame into the studs of the window opening. They are then sealed against the existing siding to prevent moisture penetration, and often have specific frame configurations and features conductive to establishing a moisture barrier.

If replacement windows are to be “Retro-fit” style, then use does not require removing and replacing the siding around the windows. However, removing the old windows with their fin construction could still pose a problem. The current practice in the industry is to remove sashes, then cut and collapse the old window frames while hopefully leaving surrounding materials undamaged.

Demolition begins with using a saw to cut through the window's frame near the center on each of the four sides and possibly additional locations for larger windows. Hammers then drive pry bars between the window frame and the opening's studs to pry the frame out of the opening. Fasteners are torn from the fins in the process, hopefully leaving the exterior siding, and interior drywall primarily intact.

While this is the desired actions, it can be a very laborious task, requiring experience and skill to avoid injuries and limit unintentional damage to exterior siding and interior drywall. Minor mispositioning of a fulcrum point can crack and separate large patches of stucco or crush drywall. Excessive force or improper positioning can result in a tool's slippage or worse launch tools and debris flying across a work area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of typical new construction windows with nailing fins.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of a new construction window installed in a building wall.

FIG. 3 shows an installed window in a building wall.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a frame puller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation.

FIG. 5A shows a top view of a frame puller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of a frame puller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation.

FIG. 6A shows an exemplary embodiment of a frame puller secured to a window frame for removal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation.

FIG. 6B shows an exemplary embodiment of a frame puller repositioned for removal of a window frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation.

FIG. 6C shows extraction of a window frame for replacement by a frame puller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Described herein is a frame-puller tool and method for its use to extract/collapse/remove window frames during demolition where the intended use of retro-fit replacement windows makes it desirable to protect and preserve exterior siding and interior drywall. The frame-puller is a leverage arm, swivelly mounted below its fulcrum to a sturdy base. The leverage arm has a locking clamp pivotally mounted at an end closest to the fulcrum, a load end, and a handle at the distal end, the effort end.

The locking clamp has adjustable jaws that are selectively releasable. In one embodiment, the sturdy base may be enlarged by removable/replaceable attachment of an expanded base plate composed of a compressible and/or non-marking material. This base plate may optionally have a slip resistant quality/texture preventing unintended tool repositioning during use and avoiding surface damage by distributing forces generated through prying actions across a larger area.

The sturdy base is configured off-center toward one corner of the base plate such that the locking clamp can be swiveled and pivoted for clamping beyond the footprint of the base plate. This configuration allows a corner of the sturdy base to be positioned for pulling frames in confined spaces, such as with sidelight or transom windows.

The sturdy base has a swivel joint connected and extending vertically upwards to the bottom of a fulcrum bracket. The fulcrum bracket has a pivot pin passing horizontally between the bracket sides through the leverage arm to create its fulcrum pivot. In the preferred embodiment, the fulcrum bracket sides are joined above the leverage arm entrapping it therein for safety.

For additional safety, the preferred embodiment divides the leverage arm in half lengthwise, wedging the halves apart at or near the fulcrum pivot. This allows positioning the locking clamp between the two halves, so forces are aligned through the fulcrum along the leverage arm's center axis preventing destabilizing forces tending to twist the lever. Additionally, such a configuration yields a smaller handle end having a more comfortable feel for gripping.

The single clamping location near the center of each window frame side tends to bend/fold the frame inward towards the frame's center opening at or near the clamp points. This collapsing of the clamp points toward the center of the frame opening folds a rectangular frame with its four corners into a generally four-pointed star-shape. The frame can then be further compressed and folded into an easily handled, compacted configuration for jobsite removal, transport, and recycling.

The preferred embodiment has a leverage arm with an advantage ratio of 1:5. The leverage arm is thirty inches long and is made from multiple lengths of one inch by quarter inch steel bar stock. The fulcrum pivots at a height of approximately six inches above the base. The locking clamp is ten-inch vice grip pliers. However, one skilled in the arts would appreciate that all dimensions are variable while remaining within the scope of the innovation.

In one embodiment the leverage arm may incorporate a curve allowing for a different fulcrum pivot height without loss of functionality. In another embodiment the leverage arm may be formed from tubing or be comprised of different metals. In another embodiment the advantage ratio may change or be modifiable by adjusting the leverage arm length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of typical new construction windows with nailing fins. The window's (200) sash (260) and frame (280) fits into a window opening. The frame (280) is secured by gluing and/or fastening the nailing fin (295) to the windows opening. The fin is later covered by exterior siding or stucco.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of a new construction window installed in a building wall. The window's (200) frame (280) is placed in the window opening defined by the studs (120) of the wall. The frame (280) may be secured by adhesive (300) and/or fasteners (320) passing through the nailing fin (295) and into the wall sheeting (140) and studs (120). The inside of the window opening is backed by window casing (220) dressing the edge of drywall (130) and securing the insulation (180) within wall cavities.

The frame (280) has multiple channels (285) defined by the ridge divider (290). And securing sashes (260) with glass (265) and/or screens (275). On the exterior side the nailing fin (295), adhesive (300), and fasteners (320) are covered by exterior siding or stucco (160).

FIG. 3 shows an installed window in a building wall. The exterior siding (160) abuts the frame (280) of the window (200), and provides channels (285, not visible) for securing sashes (260) of glass (265) and/or screen (275).

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a frame puller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation. The frame puller (400) is a lever arm (460) swivelly connected (430) through a fulcrum (450) to a sturdy base (440). The fulcrum (450) is comprised of a fulcrum bracket (455) with a fulcrum pivot (453) passing through the lever arm (460) at or near an arm spacer (465).

The fulcrum bracket (455) extends above the fulcrum pivot (453) to enclose the lever arm (460) with a bracket spreader (457) extending between the two sides of the fulcrum bracket (455) to resist the compression created by the excessive downward forces the lever arm (460) can create on the fulcrum pivot (453) during use.

The lever arm (460) has a handle (463) on the end of the longer effort side, and a pivoting (420) locking clamp (410) on the end of the shorter side, the load end. The locking clamp (410) has handles (417) for closing and securing the jaws (413) to the frame being removed. Once the frame is removed, the release (415) opens the jaws (413).

The locking clamp's (410) pivot (420) and the fulcrum (450) bracket's (455) swivel (430) extends the clamp reach/sweep (530, not indicated) past the corner (443) where the sturdy base (440) substantially aligns with the expanded base plate (447) which distributes force to a wider area, preventing excessive damage to casings during demolition.

FIG. 5A shows a top view of a frame puller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation. FIG. 5B shows a side view of a frame puller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation. These views illustrate a embodiment of the innovation with a split lever arm (460) joined at the handle/effort end (463), separated by an arm spreader (465) at or near the fulcrum pivot (453), and pivotally (420) securing the jaws (413) of the locking clamp (410) aligned between the lever arm's (460) halves.

This arrangement, coupled with the swivel (430) connection to the fulcrum bracket (455) being directly below the fulcrum pivot (453) keeps all forces along a central force line (500) and acting down through the fulcrum (450, not indicated), located directly under the fulcrum spreader (457), to the sturdy base (440) to be distributed to the extended base plate (447).

The lever arm (460) extends from the fulcrum pivot (453) toward the locking clamp (410) a distance at least as long as the distance from the swivel (430) to the corner (443) of the sturdy base (440) substantially aligned with the corresponding corner of the expanded base plate (447) for optimal clamp reach/sweep (530).

FIG. 6A shows an exemplary embodiment of a frame puller secured to a window frame for removal in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation. To utilize the frame puller for demolition, the jaws (413) of the frame puller (400) are secured to the ridge divider (290) of the window's (200) frame (280) to be removed. The base plate is rotated to make maximum contact with the window casing or side of the window opening, so the lever arm (460) has support for applying sufficient force to tear nailing fins from around fasteners and cause adhesive failure, causing the frame to be removed from the window opening.

FIG. 6B shows an exemplary embodiment of a frame puller repositioned for removal of a window frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation. FIG. 6C shows extraction of a window frame for replacement by a frame puller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the innovation.

As a side of the frame (280) is being removed, the single point of grip causes the frame to bend/collapse. Repositioning the jaws (413) of the frame puller (400) to another side, or further along the frame (280) continues the process without damaging interior drywall (130, not visible) or exterior siding/stucco (160). Once the frame (280) is collapsed and extracted from the window opening, the studs (120) of the opening are left bare for installation of a retro-fit replacement window.

The diagrams in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to the particular proportions illustrated. Some elements illustrated in the singularity may actually be implemented in a plurality. Further, some element illustrated in the plurality could actually vary in count. Further, some elements illustrated in one form could actually vary in detail. Further yet, specific numerical data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the invention.

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for removing a window frame from a wall opening comprising: a lever arm pivotally connected to a fulcrum, the fulcrum extending downward from the lever arm to a sturdy base; a locking clamp pivotally connected to a load end of the lever; and a handle at the distal, effort end of the lever.
 2. The apparatus described in claim 1, the fulcrum further comprising: a bracket pivotally supporting the lever arm by a horizontal pin joining the bracket to a point along the length of the lever arm; the bracket swivelly attached to the sturdy base.
 3. The apparatus described in claim 2, wherein the bracket further comprises: a spreader extending between the top of two sides; the two sides extending down around the lever arm; and mating to a bottom, such that the bracket encircles the lever arm.
 4. The apparatus described in claim 2, wherein the sturdy base further comprises: a removably attached expanded base secured to the sturdy base's lower face.
 5. The apparatus described in claim 4, wherein the expanded base is based to one corner of the sturdy base.
 6. The apparatus described in claim 4, wherein the expanded base: is slip resistant and/or textured.
 7. The apparatus described in claim 4, wherein the expanded base: is compressible and/or non-marking.
 8. The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the locking clamp: aligns with the central axis of the lever arm passing directly over the fulcrum.
 9. A method of removing a window frame from a wall opening comprising: using a frame puller comprising: a lever arm pivotally connected to a fulcrum; the fulcrum extending downward from the lever arm to a sturdy base; a locking clamp pivotally connected to a load end of the fulcrum; and a handle at the distal, effort end of the lever; attaching the locking clamp to the center of a side of the window frame; positioning the sturdy base against an adjacent sill; prying the window frame to pull it away from the wall opening; releasing the locking clamp; and repositioning to repeat as necessary until the frame is free of the opening.
 10. The method described in claim 9 further comprising: bending the side of the window frame at the clamp attachment locating; and bending the window frame at the corners, such that the frame folds for removal.
 11. The method described in claim 9 wherein the fulcrum further comprises: the fulcrum being swivelly attached to the sturdy base; such that the method further comprises: swiveling the locking clamp to a corner of the sturdy base; attaching the locking clamp near a corner of the flame; positioning a at least a portion of the sturdy base against an adjacent sill; prying the window frame to pull it away from the opening. 